Mental Wellness Is Important as You Age

By Maggie Fitzgibbon

 

Mental wellness is important at any age but as a person ages it should become a priority for many reasons.

Cognitive health is the ability to think, learn and remember clearly. As we age, these abilities can decline; it’s part of the natural process of aging.

However, good mental wellness can help protect against cognitive decline and dementia.

A dementia diagnosis includes the loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning so much so that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change.

How does one keep their mental wellness in check?

Registered nurse Kathy Curtis-Rubin is the senior director for clinical services at DePaul.

“Mental wellness is the ability to manage your daily life. If you are not feeling well physically then this impacts your mental wellness,” she said. “You should be able to recognize your feelings, and give yourself time to think about how and what you are feeling. It’s also important that we have balance in our lives and not continuously be busy.”

Curtis-Rubin explained that mental and physical wellness go hand in hand.

“As we age, we face many changes. Physical activities that bring a person joy often make a difference in overall health,” she said.

Good mental wellness often leads to better physical health outcomes and curtails the possibility of chronic illnesses. Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety or depression and improve mood. Walking, golf, yoga, gardening, swimming, dance and biking are just a few examples of low-impact exercise that is beneficial for older adults.

It is no surprise that when a person feels well physically, their mood, spirit and stamina improve, which enhances overall life satisfaction. Happy older adults enjoy their later years more fully. A positive mental mindset helps older adults maintain their independence and manage daily tasks.

Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt and rebound from stress, hardships, or challenging life events. Aging brings life changes such as retirement, loss, or health issues. Good mental health helps individuals adapt and cope with these transitions.

Curtis-Rubin advises any older adult who has experienced a major life change to stay active socially.

“Don’t isolate or disconnect. Find new connections, and join clubs or organizations that may interest you. Meet new friends,” she said.

Social connections help to ward against loneliness and isolation. Strong mental wellness supports social engagement, which is crucial for combating loneliness that can accompany aging. Maintaining relationships is vital. Friends, family and community can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Curtis-Rubin shared that it’s important to take care of our bodies and minds.

“Eat healthy. Get enough rest. Explore new interests. Stay connected to healthcare professionals. Learn to say no. Be mindful of any warning signs of mental decline and talk to someone you trust,” she advised.

Retirement is a major life change that most people experience. Curtis-Rubin, age 75, has a 29-year career at DePaul. She continues to work part-time.

“Just because you have reached a chronological age, it does not mean you have to stop working. If you enjoy your work and are able physically to continue, then by all means keep working. This will keep you engaged socially and physically. Most importantly, work will fulfill a purpose by doing something meaningful to you,” she said.

Curtis-Rubin added some age advice. “Be kind to yourself and try not to take things personally.”

If anyone feels like they are in a mental crisis, you should contact your medical provider or go to the nearest hospital. New York state also has a hotline, text, or call 988 to reach a suicide and crisis lifeline that connects to trained crisis counselors 24/7.

DePaul is a Rochester-based not-for-private organization that provides mental health residential, addiction prevention and support services, affordable housing, senior living communities, support programs, and vocational programs.